An individual or company officially appointed to receive a business’s legal documents, government notices, tax forms, and service of process (lawsuits) on its behalf, ensuring the business stays informed and compliant with state requirements.
What is a Registered Agent?
A Registered Agent (sometimes called a Statutory Agent or Resident Agent) is an individual or professional service appointed by a business to receive important legal notices, tax forms, compliance reminders, and service of process (lawsuits) on the company’s behalf. Every U.S. state requires businesses (LLCs, corporations, and certain partnerships) to maintain a Registered Agent in the state where they are formed or authorized to do business.
The Registered Agent must have a physical street address (not a P.O. box) in that state and be available during normal business hours. This ensures that the state and courts can reliably reach the company for compliance and legal matters. For companies operating in multiple states, a separate Registered Agent is needed in each state of registration.
Common requirements for a Registered Agent include:
- Must be an individual resident of the state or a company authorized to provide Registered Agent services there.
- Must maintain a physical street address within the state (no virtual-only addresses).
- Must be available during normal business hours to accept deliveries of official documents.
- Must forward all received documents promptly to the business.
Using a professional Registered Agent service is especially important for non-U.S. residents or businesses without a physical presence in the U.S., as it allows the company to meet legal requirements and maintain good standing without needing to be physically present. Additionally, it helps preserve privacy by keeping the owner’s personal address off public records.
If a company fails to maintain a Registered Agent or the agent becomes unreachable, the business can lose its good standing, incur penalties, or even face administrative dissolution. Therefore, choosing a reliable and compliant Registered Agent is essential for ongoing operations and legal protection.
